Those of us who are connected to the internet in some form or another, the gateway for that connection is often a router. It’s your first line of defence against the Wild West of the internet, so securing it is a must. Let’s dive into how to make your router—and by extension, your devices—safer.

The Basics

Every router will have a way to access it, where you will find a dashboard with. The router firmware is the software which makes it work, and you can use it to control the router’s settings.

Yep, this box, called a router, actually has an admin control dashboard, to which you can connect using your computer (or even phone, though this would be harder to manage on a small screen).

A Strong Foundation - Passwords and Updates

First things first: Set a unique, strong password for your router and keep its firmware updated. Hackers prey on easy targets, so don’t be one. The default passwords for both accessing the router and the Wi-Fi are usually written on the box. Anyone with the access to the internet can often find the defaults very quickly. You may be exposing yourself to the outside world more than you thought.

Secure Grounds

And hey, don’t forget, if your router is accessible to everyone in plain view, there’s more chance it can be compromised by plugging something in.

Best thing is to have it under lock and key. Besides, even if you set a password on it, anybody can use a cable to plug into it and bypass the gatekeeper.

Beyond the Basics - Advanced Filters

Your router settings often allow for more advanced filters. These can block certain categories of websites or set time-based limitations on internet usage for all connected devices. Or even just a stronger firewall level than the default. These settings offer a blanket of protection that covers everyone in the house.

One such feature is the Guest Networks, your digital welcome mat, so to say. Don’t expose your main network to visitors. Use a guest network to offer WiFi to friends and family. This keeps your primary network more secure.

Amping Up Security - Add-On Devices

For those who want to go the extra mile, there are additional devices you can plug into your router. These add-ons offer customizable profiles, allowing for a deeper layer of filtering per device and per app or website.

Don’t Forget: Devices Have Lives Outside Your Home Sure, securing your router is vital, but remember, your devices roam free in the world. They connect to public Wi-Fi in airports or libraries and even your neighbours’ network (yep, they have wifi too, and maybe even just the default password on it.

Device-Specific Filters

Just like your router, each device can also have its filtering settings. These can block harmful categories or specific sites and even manage screen time, making your devices safer beyond the home.

Device Updates - Keep the Guards Alert

Whether it’s your phone or your laptop, keep it updated. New security features and patches are rolled out frequently. Don’t let an outdated system be your downfall.

Real-Life Tales of Getting UnStuck

Joel had been looking forward to his weekly Zoom catch-up with his mom all day. It was a tradition that held a special place in his heart, especially since he couldn’t visit her in person as much as he’d like to.

But this time, things were off. The connection was glitchy, and the screen froze every few seconds. Frustration was starting to set in; all Joel wanted was to chat with his mom without feeling like he was talking to a pixelated robot.

“That’s it, time to get UnStuck from this tech mess,” he thought to himself.

Joel had a lightbulb moment: Could the connection problem be related to his network, just like that buffering issue he’d had with Netflix? On a hunch, he connected his filtering device to his router and pulled up the network diagnostics.

And sure enough, there they were: devices he didn’t recognize, sucking the life out of his bandwidth. These unknown culprits were likely causing his Zoom headaches, and who knows what else they were up to. He promptly booted them off.

But he wasn’t done. Remembering his previous security lapses, he decided to reinforce his digital fortress. Passwords changed—check. WPA3 enabled—check. Remote administration turned off—check. Setting up allowed categories, time limits - check.

With his router now as secure as Fort Knox, he dialled his mom back on Zoom. The call was crystal clear, the connection stable, and most importantly, he could see the smile on his mom’s face without any interruption.

This may be a made up story. But I am sure it resonates with you. The frustration of a spotty network doesn’t always come from the bad service. It very well may be attacked from the outside.

In Conclusion

You’ve got the rundown on how to secure both your router and your devices. Now it’s time to get to work. Make digital safety a priority and start enjoying a secure, free-wheeling online life without the stress.